Two local churches have organized free upcoming summer events featuring food, music, children’s activities and more.
Calvary Community Church will sponsor its Second Annual Back-to-School Community Picnic, including a school supplies giveaway during part of the gathering, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27 at the church, 1031 Chestnut St.
And Community Downtown, a 11-year-old program of counseling and support groups through Community Church of Columbus, has organized a Summer Block Party mostly for the downtown neighborhoods from 6 to 9 p.m. the same day on Seventh St. between Lafayette Avenue and Franklin Street. That is near Community Downtown’s location at 522 Seventh St.
Musical groups include Bartholomew, Here Together and SARX.
“A lot of people still don’t realize that Community Downtown is here,” sad Scott Hundley, director of counseling and community for the church. “We just wanted to provide a free event just to make ourselves known to people and to serve them.”
Information will be available on Community Downtown’s free support groups and other help for those facing challenges.
Jacob Kennedy, a vocalist, guitarist and bassist for the band Bartholomew, which plays rock radio hits from the 1970s to early 2000s, is excited about first-time event.
“I just love reaching out (to people),” Kennedy said.
Organizers are expecting as many as 600 people, according to Hundley.
About 320 people attended Calvary’s event and ate last year, according to Deborah Booker, among the organizers. Volunteers also distributed more than 200 free backpacks to area students and did 60 free haircuts. Plus, there were bounce houses, and there will be again this year.
Bishop Charles Sims, Calvary’s pastor, formulated the idea of making the annual church picnic — one that normally had been mostly for members — into an outreach for the community.
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What: Community Downtown Block Party, with free brats and burgers, children’s activities and live music.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. July 27.
Where: Seventh Street between Franklin and Lafayette streets in downtown Columbus.
Admission: Free.
Information: 812-348-6257 or the Facebook page for Community Downtown.
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What: Calvary Community Church’s Second Annual Community Picnic.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27.
Where: At the church at 1031 Chestnut St. in downtown Columbus.
Information: 812-372-3077.
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